How to Get Started
Find out about the enrollment process for a Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer.

1. Become informed.
   
2. Apply.
   
3. Get screened.
   
4. Attend an interview.
5. Attend orientation.
6. Get matched.
   
7. Meet your Little!
   
8. Receive ongoing support.

First, become informed.
Browse our Web site and learn about our programs, enrollment process (below) and volunteer benefits. Need more information? Talk to staff member at 414-258-4778, or attend a volunteer outreach event, where you can meet and talk to staff and current “Bigs.”

Volunteers must be at least 18 and no longer in high school to volunteer in the site-based program and at least 21 years old for the community-based program.

Second, apply.
Fill out the online volunteer inquiry form, or call 414-258-4778 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). A staff member will answer your questions and outline your next steps, including the formal application process.

In order to proceed, you’ll need to provide four references (not family members), a valid driver’s license (or other ID), proof of auto insurance and a recent photo of yourself for our records. You’ll also complete paperwork, including authorization to run a criminal background check. All this information is completely confidential.
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Third, get screened.
Because you’ll be working with a child in a one-on-one setting, it’s important to create a safe environment for both you and the child. We also want to make sure we pair you with a child who best matches your personality and interests. For these reasons, our screening process is very comprehensive. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will thoroughly review your application and references and perform a background check.
Big Brothers Big Sisters does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, physical condition, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
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Fourth, attend an interview.
When your application, background check and reference checks are complete and approved, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will sit down with you and have a conversation about your life, family, interests and volunteer expectations. The interview usually takes about 90 minutes. Sometimes we will do a second interview and/or home visit. Children and families who in enroll in our programs go through the same process.

A short time after your interview, you will receive a letter to let you know if you've been accepted as a volunteer.
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Fifth, attend orientation.
All new volunteers are required to attend a mandatory, 90-minute Big Orientation to get you ready for your match. At orientation you’ll meet our support staff, get activity ideas and learn how to handle situations that may arise during your match. Big Orientation is a fun way to meet other volunteers and learn valuable tips to enhance your volunteer experience. Orientation sessions are held two to three times a month.
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Sixth, get matched.
After orientation and careful consideration, we will contact you to talk about a child we think would be a good match with you. We’ll tell you a little about the child’s background, interests and personality. The child’s parent or guardian will learn the same things about you. If you both give the thumbs-up, we’ll schedule a time for you to meet your new Little Brother or Little Sister!
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Seventh, meet your Little and start having fun!
Meeting your Little for the first time is exciting and, yes, maybe a little unnerving. A Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will be with you to introduce you to your Little and his/her family at your Little’s home and get things rolling.

At your match meeting you will also schedule your first one-on-one outing, so bring your calendar. We suggest planning low- or no-cost activities for the first few months to set appropriate expectations and put emphasis on building your relationship, not on spending money. There are lots of fun things to do that cost little or no money. We provide activity suggestions at your match meeting, as well as online in our “For Bigs & Littles” section.
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Then what?
Our involvement doesn’t end with making your match. You’ll receive information about all our support services and, in a few weeks, a phone call from your Match Support Specialist, who will be in contact with you, your Little and your Little’s caregiver for the length of your match. Always remember, we’re here to help you in any way we can.

In addition to monthly match support contacts, you’ll also receive e-mail updates with free events, donated ticket offers, activity ideas, social opportunities and more. You and your Little can choose to participate in these opportunities or do your own thing – it’s up to you! The only requirements we have are that you get together three to four times per month, follow our safety guidelines and touch base with your Match Support Specialist every 30 days during your first year (quarterly thereafter).
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Now, get started!
We hope you’ll join the Big Brothers Big Sisters family as a volunteer. It’s a fun and rewarding experience that you’ll never forget. Sign up today!

If it’s not the right time for you to volunteer, you can still make a difference by making a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee. Donate online or call 414-258-4778 for more information.
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